Fries Prices More Than Double — Even Burgers Lose Their 'Value' Appeal
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Fast-food prices have surged over the past decade, eroding the image of burgers as cheap meals. In the U.S., McDonald’s CEO warned of a sharp drop in low-income customers; key items rose sharply (e.g., McDouble up 168%, medium fries up 138%). McDonald’s has tried $5 meals and $2.99 snack wraps, but U.S. Q3 sales missed forecasts. In South Korea, major chains raised menu prices this year — Big Mac set meals now about 7,400 won and Burger King Whopper sets around 9,200 won — and the hamburger price index rose about 37% over five years, roughly double overall dining inflation. As food, rent, and childcare costs squeeze budgets, low-income households are cutting dining out and buying groceries to cook at home, reducing the customer base for ‘value’ (gaseongbi) fast-food offerings.
